Plans are starting to take shape to renovate the west side of Memorial Park in Shawano, and the city’s park and recreation commission got a first look Oct. 21, but much of the initial discussion surrounded the relocation of the veterans memorial currently at the Shawano County Courthouse.
Blake Tyson, a consultant from Madison-based Parkitecture, presented the first draft of designs for the segment of the park facing Main Street, showcasing renovated concession areas, improved access and more. He noted that the plans did not include a space for the veterans memorial since discussions between the city and county had turned to keeping it at the courthouse, possibly relocating it to the new courthouse’s entrance when construction is completed.
Alderman Kevin Barkow, who is a representative of the Shawano Common Council on the commission and also commander for Shawano American Legion Post 117, contradicted Tyson, saying that the city’s veterans organizations are coming together to discuss the future of the memorial and that it could still be relocated to Memorial Park.
“The AmVets, the American Legion, the VFW and all the service organizations in Shawano will be getting together and discuss where they want to see the memorial,” Barkow said. “Right now, the thought is moving it from Main Street is what they want. Memorial Park would be a great place to have it.”
Barkow noted the park already has a tree that serves as a memorial for veterans who have received Purple Hearts for being injured or killed in the line of duty. However, that is located in the middle of the park, and Barkow said it might be better for the memorial to find a home on the west side.
“It’s a lot better than dealing with all the traffic on Main Street,” Barkow said, noting that nothing has been set in stone yet, at least for the Legion.
Shawano County Board Chairman Tom Kautza has previously said he would leave it up to the local veterans organizations to decide where the memorial should go.
Matt Hendricks, parks and recreation director, asked for clarification if Memorial Park is “on the table” for the memorial, and Barkow said again it was.
Barkow said someone needed to reach out to the veterans organizations and let them know if the memorial’s future location has already been finalized.
Hendricks noted the plans are far from being finalized, and feedback for the final project is still sought. A timeline for renovations has not yet been set, and the city is still in the process of applying for grants to pay for the work.
The plans are expected to be brought back to the commission in early 2027 after Hendricks meets with the Shawano Youth League and Sun Drop Dayz representatives, and then it could go to the council for formal approval sometime after that.
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
